tdc blazing a trail in Germany

tdc has ‘turned up the heat’ on the exhibition industry by completing a groundbreaking new art installation in Germany.

John Bell of tdc was specially selected to design the unique ‘Durch das Feuer Gehen’ exhibition, at the country’s museum of modern ceramics, Das Keramikmuseum Westerwald. Translated, the exhibition literally means ‘Going through Fire’ and represents the vital element of fire for making pottery. 

tdc worked with international ceramicist, David Jones, to design and install the display, which involved suspending ceramic pots of all shapes and sizes on metal grids to represent an archeological dig. Lighting and projection for the exhibition was also designed and carried out by tdc, with images of the sky projected onto the surrounding walls to symbolise naturalistic changing light. The exhibition follows the successful ‘Fixing Light – Fixing Fire’ exhibition collaboration, which was also supported by tdc and toured the UK in 2004.

John Bell, tdc’s creative director, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this truly unique exhibition and provide the technical support required to enable our vision to become a reality. The exhibition harnesses the power and subtlety of lighting, projection and high-tech materials to create a dramatic environment for David Jones’ thought-provoking ceramics.
“It breaks new ground in gallery and museum exhibition practice, creating a total visual and physical environment offering visitors an exciting glimpse into the world of ideas which the ceramics represent and guiding audiences to interpret the work.”

Circus stars in the frame for celebration performance

Aspiring circus performers from all over the UK have showcased their skills at a special celebration event in Sheffield. A group of 12 students staged the spectacular event at Greentop Community Circus Centre to mark the end of their Open College Network - Circus in Performance course.
Each act was inspired by works of art and based on the students’ favourite paintings. They were performed using a range of contemporary human circus skills including the trapeze, juggling, diabolo, bungees, clowning and dance.

Sheffield-based tdc designed the lighting for the show, which was held at St. Thomas’ Church on Holywell Road, in Brightside. The audio visual and live event support specialists worked with Greentop’s technical management to create a dazzling display to illuminate the performances.

James Harkness from Greentop Circus, which runs the circus course, said: “The end of course show was once again a breathtaking performance of contemporary circus skills. The students have worked tremendously hard over the past three months and this event was a fantastic way to celebrate their development. This is the second time we have teamed up with tdc for an event of this nature and it is great to work with such a creative, local company. Their technical lighting expertise together with the students’ impressive circus skills combined to produce a stunning show.”

Greentop Community Circus Centre is one of only four circus school’s in the UK. It provides regular training sessions and workshops for people of all ages and abilities covering a wide range of skills including equilibristics, manipulation, aerial, acrobatics and acrobalance, clowning and performance skills and dance and movement.

Eamonn Hunt, tdc Live Event Director, said: “It’s been fantastic fun working with the team at Greentop Circus to produce their end of course show. The enthusiasm of the students is really inspirational and it was great to be involved with the production of such an energetic, live performance.

“Greentop is a wonderful local charity that has worked hard to become established as a UK centre of excellence for circus performance over the past few years. This event provided their latest set of students with an opportunity to show off the variety of skills they have learnt throughout the intensive course.”

For more information visit www.greentop.org

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High-tech firm creates charity DVD

02 Apr 2007

The construction of a new community centre designed to support homeless people in Sheffield has been charted by a local company in a special DVD. tdc produced the film to mark the launch of the new Community Resources Centre, opened at Sheffield Cathedral by HRH the Princess Royal.

The new centre is home to the Cathedral Archer Project, which offers food and a base to vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the city, as well as offering a space for mission through the arts, music and education. tdc’s celebration film features footage of key milestones in the project over the last two years including the laying of the foundation stone by Sir Robert Kerslake and visits by the Lord Mayor and Princess Anne. It also includes interviews with clients who have benefited from the project.

The DVD was screened for the first time at the Sheffield Sharks’ annual charity fixture in aid of the Cathedral’s work with the homeless, which this year took place against the Leicester Riders at the Hallam FM Arena.  tdc also provided technical support for the corporate hospitality area at the game, installing plasma screens to the show the DVD and a sound system for the Archer project to host a charity auction.

Anthony O’Connor, Development and Marketing Manager for Sheffield Cathedral, said: “We decided to produce the DVD as a celebration of the work of the Cathedral Archer project and the journey we have been on over the last two years from signing the contract to getting the Centre up and running. “tdc has long been a supporter of the project and we are extremely grateful to the company for their efforts and technical expertise in producing the film. They have captured key moments during the construction and created a film which celebrates our work in the city.”

The new Community Resources Centre includes a medical room, private interview rooms, showers and laundry facilities, an education suite offering basic adult literacy and numeracy courses, classrooms for use by visiting school children and space for exhibitions and social gatherings.

Eamonn Hunt, tdc director, said: “The Cathedral Archer project is a fantastic local charity that plays a crucial role supporting some of Sheffield’s most vulnerable and deprived people. We are proud to have been involved with the production of this DVD, which is the culmination of two years of hard work by everyone at the charity. It recognises the practical assistance that the project provides to help homeless people change their lives.”

Photo: Anthony O’Connor, Development and Marketing Manager for Sheffield Cathedral, with tdc Director Eamonn Hunt outside the Cathedral’s new Community Resources Centre.

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tdc - Global Video Conference Facilities

15 Aug 2006

tdc - Global Video Conference Facilities

Local candidates with aspirations to secure jobs further afield have been taking advantage of the Video Conference Technology made available by local Audio Visual and Live Event Support company tdc.

Recently when newly qualified graduates from Sheffield University needed to be interviewed for jobs in Australia, tdc provided facilities that allowed the candidates to remain in Sheffield and the prospective employer in Melbourne. Using Video Conference Facilities at tdc’s Sheffield base, the candidates were all able to connect with the Australian hospital, and the interviews took place over a Video Conference connection, removing the need for either party to travel half way around the world to meet each other, and saving a small fortune into the bargain.

Local businesses have also benefited from the Video Conference facilities. When a local engineering company needed to meet with its Greek counterpart to discuss a job that both companies were undertaking in the Middle East, tdc provided the link. A Video Conference was set up between all of the parties and the nuts and bolts of the engineering project hammered out and agreed.

Needless to say the medics secured their jobs in Australia, and the local engineering company are now busy creating parts for their upcoming job in the Middle East.

Eamonn Hunt of tdc said;

"The technology has been around for years, but is only just reaching an acceptable quality that really does feel like the meeting is happening in real time without any delays. Since Sept 11th, and the more recent terrorist activities we have seen a huge uptake in Video Conferencing, especially with American companies. Initially people were scared to travel, and turned to Video Conferencing as the only viable alternative; when they realised how simple it is, and how cost effective it is they were converted.  When an employer can avoid putting members of staff on an aeroplane for two days to get to a meeting that may only last a few hours, the benefits are obvious."

Call us now for more information on 0114 2500000

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tdc provides city conferencing boost

25 Apr 2006

tdc are helping to raise the standards of Sheffield’s conferencing facilities, we have completed supply and installation contracts with two local businesses, Grant Thornton and Sheffield Park Hotel.

At leading financial and business advisors Grant Thornton, tdc worked with Domino Commercial Interiors, Sheffield-based providers of fit-out and refurbishment services and a major provider of office furniture, to design a state-of-the-art conference area for the company’s new offices on Broadfield Business Park, Heeley, Sheffield.

tdc’s installation team fitted a range of audio visual facilities, including a video and data projection system with electric ceiling screen.

As part of a major refurbishment programme at Sheffield Park Hotel, on Chesterfield Road South, tdc also fitted new audio visual facilities. The work included supplying and installing a fully retractable 4m x 3m projection screen, a high brightness video and data projector and a fully integrated sound system in the hotel’s main function room.

Michael Hackett, tdc Director, said: “Prior to our work at Grant Thornton, many of the company’s conferences and meetings were held externally. The state-of-the-art equipment we have fitted at their new offices will allow them to accommodate some of these events in-house.

“At Sheffield Park Hotel, the refurbishment work has really brought the venue’s conferencing facilities right up to date. The equipment we have installed is some of the best in the business and should help attract even more high-profile events and conferences to the city.”

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tdc boss takes on charity challenge

25 Apr 2006

tdc Director Eamonn Hunt will take the plunge into the Abyss to raise more than £5,000 for a local charity.

Eamonn will complete a 150ft bungee jump at the Abyss at Magna Science Adventure Centre at Rotherham to collect cash for The Cathedral Breakfast and Archer Projects (CBA).

The daredevil challenge was announced at the Westfield Sharks British Basketball League match against London Towers at the Hallam FM Arena, which helped raise funds for the CBA.

Eamonn said: “The Cathedral Breakfast and Archer Projects is a fantastic charity that works tirelessly with homeless people across the city, offering practical advice and assistance to help change their lives.

“It exists solely on generous donations from sponsors, churches, schools and individuals, so I am delighted to be showing my support by completing the fundraising bungee jump.

“I’m sure when I get to the top of the Abyss jump station that the nerves will set in but at the moment I am just focusing on collecting as much sponsorship money as possible for what is a really worthwhile local cause.”

Anthony O’Connor, Development and Marketing Manager for Sheffield Cathedral, said: “We are delighted that Eamonn Hunt has taken Sheffield Cathedral, and our work with some of the most vulnerable people in the city, to his heart.

“We hope that more individuals and companies across the city will join tdc in supporting the Cathedral and making the bungee jump event a great occasion.”

For more information, to get your company involved or to sponsor Eamonn call or email us

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World Cup fever sweeps South Yorkshire

25 Apr 2006

World Cup fever has kicked off in South Yorkshire – way before the start of the tournament.

Businesses and organisations across the region have been snapping up equipment from tdc to screen live matches from Germany for football fanatical employees.

tdc have been inundated with bookings from employers reserving screens for offices and workplaces in a bid to reduce staff absenteeism during the two-week long competition.

tdc staff have also taken a number of orders from companies hosting client events to celebrate the World Cup and from regional venues planning to show matches for the general public.

Demand for equipment ahead of the World Cup matches comes as tdc gears up for a busy year of sporting events.
 
Eamonn Hunt, tdc director, said: “We regularly record a high number of bookings for major sporting events, but the difference this year is that employers are reserving equipment well in advance.

“Throughout Euro 2004, late afternoon kick off times meant some employees missed out on watching England in action, this time round organisations are taking early steps to make sure staff members won’t miss any of the action.”

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Thank you from Easthill School

25 Apr 2006

You will remember from our last newsletter that instead of spending money on Christmas cards and gifts for our clients, tdc put the money to a good cause and joined the Whirlow Hall Farm 480 Club. The 480 club pays for disadvantaged children to spend a week in residence at the farm. A stay at the farm is an unforgettable experience as well as being highly educational. The education team provides programmes to back up the curriculum the pupils are following.

Easthill School for children with special needs was the school that benefited from tdc’s donation. Pupils are pictured with tdc Director Eamonn Hunt when he went along to see how they were enjoying their week. They were full of smiles and enthusiasm and it is you as our clients that are to thank.

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tdc showcases Sheffield`s new look

25 Apr 2006

tdc showcased the city’s multi-million pound developments at a prestigious business tourism exhibition.

tdc created a high-tech exhibition stand for Sheffield Conference Bureau at the International Confex Exhibition 2006, helping to attract a significant rise in enquiries.

Staged at Earl’s Court, London, the event attracted approximately 11,000 buyers and is the leading business tourism exhibition in Europe.

As part of their project management, tdc designed and created a striking white exhibition stand with three integrated plasma screens, which showed a DVD featuring unique footage of Sheffield and shots of the city’s key venues. The DVD was produced by Silverworks Digital Media Limited.

Sheffield Conference Bureau staff also highlighted the level of development in the city by handing out ‘banknotes’ for £250 million to represent the amount of ongoing investment that is benefiting Sheffield’s hotels and conference facilities. The initiative resulted in the city being highly commended in the show’s Best Marketing Campaign award.

Emma France, from Sheffield Conference Bureau, said: “The show was a real success for Sheffield and tdc's creative input, and high quality project management combined to form a fantastic exhibition stand.

“Enquiries were up by more than four times compared to last year’s show and the actual business discussed on the stand has a potential economic impact of almost £1 million.”

Eamonn Hunt, tdc director, said: “it’s good to help the city promote itself. In doing so, we help to raise the number of people coming into the city for conferences and meetings; which has to be good news for everyone involved in servicing that sector. It is a privilege to link up with Sheffield Conference Bureau for the second time running and help highlight the massive amount of investment that is taking place in the city.”

“Through our detailed project management and audio visual expertise we were successful in further enhancing Sheffield’s presence at the major industry exhibition.”

Sheffield Conference Bureau exhibited at Earl’s Court alongside other UK destinations including Birmingham, London, Manchester and York. Partner organisations at the event include Sheffield International Venues, Conference 21 at Sheffield Hallam University, The University of Sheffield; Macdonald St Paul’s Hotel, spinsheffield.com and Hospitality Sheffield.

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Sheffield's Rollin' in it

07 Feb 2006

Sheffield showcases a multi million pound new look with a little help from tdc and veteran rockers the Rolling Stones…
 

Already a key player in the UK Conference marketplace, major investment this year is developing Sheffield ’s venue portfolio and bedroom stock even further. 

Sheffield is exhibiting for the third year running at International Confex, 21-23 February 2006, Earl’s Court 1, London . This year tdc have created an exciting stand incorporating plasma screens that will run a DVD featuring footage from around Sheffield as well as shots of Sheffield venues. Visit stand B448 and register for the chance to win a Rolling Stones VIP weekend.

Using the hi-tech stand Sheffield Conference Bureau staff and representatives from the city’s premier venues will showcase the results of £250 million of investment and will outline exciting developments still to come.

Virtual tours of venues will be shown through the city’s virtual tour website www.spinsheffield.com and the brand new 2006 Sheffield Conference Guide will be available from the stand.

Sheffield ’s Rollin’ in it… you could be too! 

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Having A Good Time

It has been an exciting and busy time for us here at  tdc these past few months. We have been involved in organising and supplying audio visual equipment for a number of high profile events.

We are particularly proud of the success of the recent Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and hope that you were privileged enough to attend. If you didn’t make it you missed an intricate and impressive display of lighting effects coupled with a video montage of Sheffield and the award winners relayed on three gigantic screens. Vernon Tolson, Service Development Manager at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, agreed that, “the awards were a huge success this year and it would not have been possible without tdc and their dedicated filming, tight organisation, and most importantly, creative input.”

Where’s MY Christmas Card?

If you receive a hard copy of our Newsletter you are probably wondering why it’s also pretending to be a Christmas Card?

Much deliberation has taken place about what to send our clients for Christmas. Do you celebrate Christmas? Will you be celebrating the Winter Solstice? Are you just another Ebenezer? We don’t know, and more to the point, we don’t really care!

We celebrate Christmas and have decided to do something useful with the money we would otherwise spend on cards. tdc have used the money to join Whirlow Hall Farm’s 480 Club. Each 480 club membership enables 12 children and their carers to be residents at Whirlow Hall Farm for a week. That to us makes far more sense than sending a Christmas card.

So that explains the flip me over Newsletter / Christmas card, and if you receive our Newletter by email, you’ll just have to turn you’re your computer upside down. Have a very happy Christmas / Solstice / Humbug, but do try to think about those less fortunate than you and your family.

Further information about the 480 Club can be found at www.whirlowhallfarm.co.uk

Supporting Sheffield Globally

When tdc’s exhibition designer, John Bell, was recently invited by a Sheffield based client to promote the work that we did for them on the stand we were designing for them, he came up with comment; “tdc; supporting Sheffield Globally”.

The last few months have shown just how true that is; with exhibitions in Geneva, Paris, Vienna, Barcelona, Lisbon, Dubai, and many cities throughout the UK, no one can say that we don’t get the opportunity to show off the exhibition design and build skills that tdc nurtures in Sheffield.

Whilst many of our clients are based outside of the UK it hasn’t stopped tdc from recently increasing the number of Sheffield based companies and organisations that we deal with. Our involvement with Sheffield Tourism has also placed us at the heart of promoting Sheffield as a major Economic player and Tourist attraction. Sheffield today has some of the worlds leading international corporations, and its good to know that we are involved in helping them to exhibit themselves and Sheffield.

Far Away Sheffield

When global traveller Michael Palin rucks up in town to support Whirlow Farm, it seems obvious that tdc’s Director, Eamonn Hunt should want to help out, if only to exchange stories of the difficulty and enjoyment in producing a show in some far-flung corner of the world.

Although Eamonn spends much of his time out of the country managing events that tdc provides creative and technical support to, he is adamant that he and tdc support the good work at Whirlow Farm; so an evening with Michael Palin at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre was obvious.

The event went down a storm, raising over £24,000 for Whirlow and giving tdc an opportunity to showcase its work to a very discerning audience. For the record Michael has recently announced the production of a new travel series, and Eamonn was last seen heading off on a walking holiday in Africa.

Supporting Sheffield Locally

As sponsors of Sheffield FC, the oldest football club in the world tdc not only provided the technical support for the clubs annual dinner, but also donated a DVD player for the raffle. It was won by Ben Cressey, a player for the club and Laura had the pleasure of presenting his prize at the Stadium of Bright. Neil Burkinshaw, of Dig for Fire, was the 100th person to reply to the last Newsletter quiz and took away another DVD player. Congratulations Neil.

But the best prize was the one won by a lucky guest at the Whirlow Farm’s Halloween Bash who paid for the pleasure of winning a DVD player, by supporting the event and buying a raffle ticket. Well done.

By providing equipment, technical support , or advice tdc believes that we can make a real contribution to a useful cause. It is good to be able to give something back to the community that made us what we are today, and it has been good to support Whirlow Farm, Macmillan, Smoke Free and The Archer Project. If you want to help, there’s a lot of people who would appreciate your time, money, or assistance; all you have to do is pick up a phone, search the net, talk to the person you’re sat next to; everyone can suggest an organisation that you should help.  

World first gives firm a huge image

Sheffield Audio Visual and Live Event Support company tdc achieved a world first at a pharmaceutical conference in Athens.

The company, tdc, used giant mirrors and an integrated projection system to back-project images onto a screen 18 metres across by 4.5 metres high, making it the worlds biggest projected image using reflectors and image matting software. Normally the equipment required to fill such a screen would take up about 10 metres of space, but using tdc’s system less than 3 metres of space is required.

Think of the number of extra seats that you can get into a venue when you create an extra 7 metres of available floor space.

tdc’s method was so successful at the conference for the American pharmaceutical company that it will be used by rival pharma companies through the coming months.

tdc director Eamonn Hunt said the system was very adaptable and would work at any venue, no matter its size.

“This is the kind of technology we are very keen to embrace. With our experience we can now project quality images to an even larger audience which is always high on our clients agenda”.

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Local company come to rescue of recovery man

Local audio visual company tdc came to the rescue of recovery man Dave Bagnall.

Dave whose wife is a music lecturer at Hope Valley School in the peak district was left stricken without transport to take the music instruments of the Hope Valley Wind band and the Hope Valley Big Band across to Athens in Greece where they were invited to go and play in a music festival.

The bands consisted of 35 pupils and 4 Teachers and the instruments ranged from Pianos to trombones and various sizes of saxophones. It was impossible to fly all the instruments out and had to be transported by road.

Dave who works as a recovery man, said “Without the support of tdc we would not have been able to take the kids to Athens and we are grateful for the support we received from Michael at tdc”

The kids played 3 concerts and one rehearsal in the foyer of the hotel, two of the concerts were in Greek children’s summer camps and one was to the public at a seaside resort. In the summer camps we played to 350 11-15 year old Greek children who were amazed at the instruments and most of whom had never heard live music especially performed by other children. At the third concert the mayor of the town came to introduce us and was amazed at the talents of the students, he thought that they must be much older and attend a music college.

Sue Bagnall music teacher at the school said ” The benefits to the students who were lucky enough to go is musically they get to experience playing to large foreign audiences in different venues to normal; socially they get to experience another culture, meet Greek children and bond as a band. It is an experience that they will never forget and that they can't stop talking about.”

Michael Hackett from tdc said “We were only too pleased to support Hope Valley School and offer the children an opportunity to play abroad. We have a philosophy to support local charities and youth projects and will continue to do so.”

Local candidates go global with Video Conference Facilities

Local candidates with aspirations to secure jobs further a field have been taking advantage of the Video Conference Technology made available by local Audio Visual and Live Event Support company tdc.

Recently when newly qualified graduates from Sheffield University needed to be interviewed for jobs in Australia, tdc provided facilities that allowed the candidates to remain in Sheffield and the prospective employer in Melbourne. Using Video Conference Facilities at tdc’s Sheffield base, the candidates were all able to connect with an Australian hospital, and the interviews took place over a 12,000 mile Video Conference connection, removing the need for either party to travel half way around the world to meet each other, and saving a small fortune into the bargain.

Local business have also benefited from the Video Conference facilities. When a local engineering company needed to meet with its Greek counterpart to discuss a job that both companies were undertaking in the Middle East, tdc provided the link. A Video Conference was set up between all of the parties and the nuts and bolts of the engineering project hammered out and agreed.

Needless to say the medics secured their jobs in Australia, and the local engineering company are now busy creating parts for their upcoming job in the Middle East.

Eamonn Hunt of tdc said;

“The technology has been around for years, but is only just reaching an acceptable quality that really does feel like the meeting is happening in real time without any delays. Due to the increase in terrorist activity we have seen a huge uptake in Video Conferencing, especially with American companies. Initially people were scared to travel and turned to Video Conferencing as the only viable alternative; when they realised how simple and cost effective it is it is they were converted. When an employer can avoid putting a members of staff on an aeroplane for two days to get to a meeting that may only last a few hours, the benefits are obvious.”

Sound investment for Sheffield Football Club

When the worlds oldest football club, Sheffield FC, needed to improve their public address system in order to fulfil its FA duties and local legal requirements, they turned to Sheffield’s tdc. It is essential that Sheffield FC has a sound system that can be heard over the roar of the supporters’ cheers.

Whilst the sound system is usually used for commentary and musical stings when goals are scored it is essential that in the event of an emergency the system gives priority to the announcers microphone and that any announcements are crystal clear. tdc installed a system that can tie into the telephone and fire security systems, such that in the event of an emergency the system can automatically run through a pre-determined emergency procedure. The system can turn off play-back music and play pre-recorded emergency announcements whilst also shutting down the energy supply to machinery and heating, and turning on emergency lighting at the same time.

For most clients the sound system is still an afterthought when renovating or updating their premises, but it should be considered essential. With the intelligent systems now available from tdc it can be used to entertain, but more importantly be utilised as part of the emergency infrastructure in any workplace or public space.

Visit website: www.sheffieldfc.com

tdc supporting Sheffield Globally at NVS

Sheffield showcases a multi million pound new look with over £250 million of investment in 2005

Already a key player in the UK Conference marketplace, major investment this year is developing Sheffield’s venue portfolio and bedroom stock even further.

A city partnership with local exhibition specialists tdc Ltd will see a Sheffield make a £250million splash at this year’s National Venue Show at the NEC Birmingham, 13-15 September 2005.

Four of the city’s key venues- Sheffield City Hall, Macdonald St Paul’s Hotel, Conference 21 at Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield have joined an exciting partnership with Sheffield Conference Bureau to bring the benefits of meeting in Sheffield straight to the buyers. Support also comes from Hospitality Sheffield.

Visit us on stand S78 to see virtual tours of venues through the city’s new virtual tour website www.spinsheffield.com and pick up a commemorative Sheffield £250 million note, redeemable against your next event in Sheffield.

Visit website: http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/business-economy/conference-bureau/latest-news